Fresh flowers heaped on a snow-covered mound denoted a Dahlian’s recent passing through the cemetery. Although it could’ve been anyone’s gesture, the Acer assumed the offerings had come from either Conor or Emwe, for they rested atop their stillborn sister’s resting place. No proper gravestone had been erected, no monument to indicate where she’d been buried. Alexey found peace in knowing that a stone angel towered over the little girl, protecting her from whatever hardships she would need to overcome in the afterlife. There was always the slim possibility that the Rosen himself had paid her a visit, as he’d been the one to bury her tiny body, but she doubted such was the case. The poor man’s soul was beyond salvation, and he’d never been the flower-bearing type. Seeing the garden of remembrance one last time before their big move, knowing it would no longer be at close proximity, stirred up unexplainable sorrow within her. For many, burial grounds were taboo; the complete opposite of what the Acer considered them to be. The cemetery was a place of peace and comfort.
There she lingered, gaze upon various headstones, bidding them all silent farewells. The Caregiver could only hope that Inferni would not stoop as low as to desecrate their sacred soil. Through Mew’s injuries, they had already suffered enough, and Alexey would prevent further heartache by steering her loved ones in a safer direction. A sharp bark reverberated in the atmosphere, a message from the good-hearted Emwe redirecting her attention to the task at hand. The pups had been rallied, and the final preparations were in motion. Soon, they would depart for their new home in Wolfville. The cinnamon female made her way back to them, intent on keeping her head held up high regardless of the sorrow tugging at her heart. Three little forms were gathered on the front porch, obviously curious as to what all the commotion was about. Alexey had offered to take Mew’s children for a day, giving Hanna the opportunity to properly focus on her work. Their healing mother was top priority.
“Ready, guys?” she called out with a slight wag of her tail. Three Papavers were present, but there was still one missing. Night had a habit of wandering about, but she never strayed too far. Her smell was potent, an indication of the short distance separating her from the lot. Emwe and Conor were close by; she could hear them rummaging inside the house. So she waited patiently for them to arrive, bracing herself for the next big move in her life.
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